The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian’s Vine Deloria, Jr. Native Writers Series celebrates its fifth season with more exceptional indigenous writers. The series, named after the legendary Native scholar and writer Vine Deloria, Jr. (Standing Rock Sioux), has become an essential part of the museum’s public program schedule. The NMAI is committed to presenting the most prestigious contemporary American Indian authors and upholding the museum’s mission to provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the living arts of Native peoples.
Native writers, historians, philosophers, journalists, poets and playwrights have been featured throughout the past four seasons. “The National Museum of the American Indian is honored to garner awareness about the Native presence in today’s literary world,” said museum director, Kevin Gover (Pawnee/Comanche). Each program features a Native writer and engages visitors in a lively, moderated discussion. Programs are held in the Rasmuson Theater and are free and open to the public. This season continues through summer 2009.
CD features NMAI’s Native Writers Series
The NMAI Publications and Cultural Arts offices have co-produced a CD anthology entitled Pulling Down the Clouds: Contemporary Native Writers Read Their Work at the National Museum of the American Indian. This compilation features live readings from season one and season two of the Native Writers Series. The CD includes 15 renowned writers, including N. Scott Momaday, Louise Erdrich, Ofelia Zepeda, and Joy Harjo. For more information visit NMAI's Bookshop.
